Some days just refuse to go down the simple path we envision! I decided to start simple with the Charger, since I've down so many 10/22s and was using my "standard" parts kit — Volquartsen trigger group, bolt handle and spring assembly, assorted parts. I was also adding a integrally suppressed barrel (mine is a no-longer-manufactured TS; Thompson Machine makes one).

I had read that Chargers can be a bear to disassemble, largely due to the shake-and-bake finish Ruger puts on the Chargers. I have an Accutech barrel pusher that has always done the trick, so I wasn't worried. Short story...3 hours later I got the damned barrel out of the Charger. It took tensioning the Accutech, which pushes against the forward pin that holds in the trigger group, very tightly, followed by A REALLY BIG HAMMER and a steel bar. I then cleared out the receiver barrel channel with fine grit sandpaper. I ended up flat filing the "drop in parts," which have always dropped in for my other 10/22s. I thought producer John Carter and DP Gene Moffett were going to strangle me as the hours ground on and on and I'm back in the shop filing away.

The ARs went together fine. I required help from the shop's gunsmiths, because I'm definitely not a gunsmith...LOL! We have a range date on Thursday, so might get some shooting in then.